2012 Toyota Avensis V-Matic TR 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Quality car

Faults:

ABS sensors.

Engines uses a bit of oil, but not excessively so.

Wheel bearings.

Small amount of sub-frame corrosion, but has never failed an MOT test yet.

General Comments:

The Avensis is known for being a reliable car, and after owning mine for a while now and just went past the 110K mark with mostly just minor faults and wear and tear plus services, I certainly agree, it is an easy car to own and if looked after, returns with reliability. Perhaps a little overrated - if abused it would surely break down like any car, so avoid rough examples or cars with missing history if buying in the used market.

Quite good looking in white with window tints. TR model gets nice alloy wheels.

Inside you'll find very comfortable seats and plenty of electric features. Every journey in this car is a pleasure. Smooth and quiet. Refined to drive. Spacious. Boot is huge.

Not a fast car by any means, but take it easy and you will see around 38 mpg or more. Classic mediocre performance and economy 1.8 petrol standard engine. Arguably more reliable than diesels however.

It is 12 years old now and shows no sign of stopping. Hope to keep this one a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2024

2012 Toyota Avensis Aura 2.0 D4D diesel

Summary:

Best built cars in the world is so true

Faults:

Alternator.

Starter.

2 front wheel bearings.

3 rear brake calipers.

Hose broken on cooling system;100 euro to replace.

General Comments:

The most reliable car I have ever owned, and will buy same again.

I'm on the same clutch and never changed an injector.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2023

30th Nov 2023, 22:10

You must use high quality oil and fuel in this car. Most problems come from diesels when people do not service them correctly, and use cheaper supermarket fuel and do too many short journeys.

In reply to 30th Nov 2023, 22:10

20th Mar 2024, 14:34

Oil changes twice a year at approximately 50,000 intervals. I use oil from Lidl or Aldi. Now have 693,000km with still the same engine and clutch.

In reply to 20th Mar 2024, 14:34

20th Mar 2024, 19:37

Then I am truly amazed my friend :)

We have many Toyota Avensis in our taxi service here in the UK at my local town. Among others of course, such as Vauxhall Insignia, Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia and so on.

All good cars, but the diesel engines in them, although powerful and economical, they have their issues usually needing an injector or DPF replaced at anything around the 100,000 mile mark, no matter how well they are looked after it seems. Perhaps the secret is in how they are driven. Due to the nature of the job short journeys are unavoidable and sometimes the engine doesn't get up to temperature. In private owned cars I have found most diesel (and petrol for that matter) to be more reliable when they are used for longer drives.

2012 Toyota Avensis T2 D-4D 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Expensive to buy used, but worth it

Faults:

Exhaust and suspension required attention at MOT test. Otherwise no advisory.

Serviced when purchased, the car runs smooth and quiet for diesel. It was a bit rattly when I test drove it, but much better now and has been fine for 2 years. Do not touch these (or any used car) without oil service history.

Subframe has light corrosion, but not as bad as some Avensis's out there.

General Comments:

The Avensis from this time period is a reliable car. I bought mine 2 years ago and it has been great.

2.0 turbo diesel "D-4D" has plenty of power and averages over 50 mpg. The car is very smooth to drive, not exciting but does the job.

T2 model is rather basic, go for the TR models or upwards. Wheel trims let the car down, it is otherwise OK looking, but thinking of fitting alloy wheels to brighten things up. Inside still has all the essential electrics for a modern car. It has wind up windows in the rear though which I think it a bit mean!

Really hard to say much more about it that other reviews have not covered on here, the Avensis is pretty much the text book definition of a dull but durable and reliable car. Buy a nice low mileage car and enjoy a few years trouble free motoring (if you take care of it); they are worth the extra cash in the long run.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2023